Review: "New Levels" EP by Amaru Muru
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Throughout Amaru Muru’s debut EP “New Levels”, influences abound mostly from the new school of hip-hop. Forgoing speed, the clarity of the vision is akin to Kendrick Lamar’s patient, persistent flows. The Southampton, UK based artist ensures that every moment is clearly crafted for maximum impact.
Verses are balanced too in order to give it a stream of consciousness tact, one that fits nicely with his lower register vocals. In terms of a mixture of the R&B and trap influences, the minimal yet effective arrangements recall the dexterity of Flying Lotus’s genre-defying aural mutations, forgoing easy categorization yet employing impressively thick grooves.
“Do It Again” sets the tone for the collection, with low-slung bass lines and skittering percussive elements starting to establish the groove. It does not take long for Amaru Muru’s distinctive voice to take command of the late-night atmospherics. Melodies waft up to the sky with a dreamlike aura. Stately keys give “New One” a massive approach. Volume is a must for the way that “New One” evolves lends it a sort of physicality, even an urgency. Pulling back a bit, “Level Up” offers a bit of self-reflection into the fray. Playfulness with the right degree of swagger runs through “Surfboard”. Here Amaru Muru displays a degree of confidence as the song rolls through.
Layer upon layer filters into the mix on the colossal highlight of “Round 2” deeply immersive experience, Amaru Muru embarks upon a meditative personal journey on the powerful “New Levels”. Lyrics rest in the very heart of all of it, nicely anchored by the intense trap beats that hit with sheer physicality. His flow never feels rushed he takes his time in creating something that comes straight from the heart. His storytelling abilities are unparalleled as elements emerge from a life lived to the absolute fullest. Closing the collection off, “Round Two” is a joyous celebration, one that is full of so much love.
The genre-jumping tour de force incorporates pieces of hip-hop, R&B, and trap into a singular coherent whole. The production has a polished perfection to it courtesy of Ken McKay’s deft touch.
“New Levels” shows off Amaru Muru’s highly unique style resulting in a wild swirling sonic universe.